The SpecialMoms Parenting Magazine 2nd Issue | Page 39
6 Ways to Combat Isolation Issues
When Working From Home
Cut the problem off at the pass. Use these six ideas to implement a
way to stay connected from the outset of your home business life .
1. Leave the house – Get
outside and breathe the fresh air and soak up
some good old vitamin D every day. Take the
kids out to play in the park. Run your errands
in the middle of the day when you are spoiling
for a break. If you have a coffee shop nearby,
spoil yourself once in a while and get a fresh,
brewed cup of coffee made by someone else and
sit and enjoy it. Just 15 minutes away from your
computer, listening to other voices might just
motivate you enough to head back to your office
fully charged.
2. Separate your work
life and home life – This can
be as simple an act as closing the door to your
home office. Hang a sign on the door like a brick
and mortar business that shows the hours of
operation. When you close the door, there is
freedom. I would even take it one step further,
and turn off your phone or put it to silence. That
way when you want to spend that quality time
with your family, you don’t jump as soon as you
hear the phone ring.
3. Chat with family and
friends – Use Skype or even Facetime
family members who are far away. It’s nice to
see the faces of the people who are important in
your life.
4. Plan a few outings –
Set lunch dates with friends or your spouse.
This is an excuse to get out of the house and also
to catch up with them over a good meal. This
is really a nice thing to do with your spouse
especially, I know in my house it’s hard to have a
good conversation or a least talk about vacations
or work with my son around. My husband and I
often schedule lunch dates for this purpose.
5. Network
– Hobnob with other
business professionals at local Chamber of
Commerce events. Check to see when there
will be professional conferences in your area
and register to attend. I also find it nice to
attend some mom blogging conferences out of
state. It’s easy to get recharged when you have
inspiring women in the room. It’s a great time
for collaboration.
6. Be Social – Social media has made
it very easy for people to connect, make new
friendships, get new business partners or even
reconnect with old friends. Join some Google
Hangouts, sign up for spreecasts or webinars.
You can still always learn from home and chat
with new business connections.
Stay sane while you
work at home by staying
connected with others.
SpecialMoms Parenting Magazine, Spring 2014
by Marla Murasko